บท 65: Platov

"Why does he have these?"

"I wonder why the Baelis even created them."

"You're clueless, Viktor?"

"Indeed. Enlighten me?"

"Well, Terran legends claim a Baelis smith crafted them to make wars so devastating that none would dare wage one."

I chuckled. "Really? They thought that would work?"

"It did."

"How?"

"Among the Baelis."

"I see."

"Shall we proceed?"

"I'm not sure I can."

"That's a concern."

"It is."

We lingered awkwardly.

"Should we turn back?" Thorne inquired.

"No, we stay put."

"Understood."

Time felt elongated, though it was probably just a minute. The presence of the Dragonlords added to my unease. Displaying fear in front of a Vorgan is bad, but doing so in front of a Dragonlord wounded my pride.

"I have a plan," Thorne interjected.

"I'm all ears," I replied. "Any plan's a good one now."

"It'll take a few moments."

"Take all the time you need. It's not like I'm rushing anywhere."

Thorne's expression shifted, hinting at a mental exchange.